Going slower gains traction

African safari specialist Jenman Safaris, predicts 2020 will see a spike in ‘slow and mindful travel’, where travellers can enjoy deeper and more meaningful connections with nature and locals.

According to CEO Katja Quasdorf, many travellers are moving away from packaged box-ticking itineraries that not only include too many tourist traps, but also involve spending too much time on the road heading from one place to the next. ‘We are seeing a lot more travellers opting for slow travel, where they can immerse themselves in the destination to both understand it better and fully enjoy their chosen activities without being rushed,’ says Quasdorf. ‘The mindfulness comes from picking stays and experiences that are environmentally sustainable and which support local communities and ongoing conservation efforts.’

Slower itineraries from Jenman Safaris include wildlife tracking like the Greater Kruger Walking Trek, a fiveday exploration of the Greater Kruger area; and the Zambezi Truth experience, which involves sailing on a traditional handcrafted East African dhow at Victoria Falls. The preference to extend stays at a particular lodge (usually from two to three or four nights), means travellers get to know the property and its vicinity more intimately. This also allows them to connect with the staff and be able to enjoy more wildlife observations and to get acquainted with the social habits displayed by the animals. The Nantwichand Elephant’s Eye ecolodges in Zimbabwe for example, offer a stay six, pay four nights and a stay three, pay two nights respectively so guests can savour the area. www.jenmansafaris.com